If there is anything that characterizes the Australian outback, it is the outback hat. The large-brimmed hat is typically, made of straw that protects the wearer from the blazing sunshine while keeping the head cool with its high breathability. However, more than its functionality and durability, the outback hat is a deep-rooted Australian tradition born out of necessity but a part of their identity.
Characteristics of the Australian Outback Hat
Typically worn by the Bushmen, an Australian outback hat is designed for wearing for extended periods, especially during the summer months when the bright sunshine and the soaring temperatures can make life uncomfortable. Straw is the most popular material because it is light and allows the head to breathe; however, it is common to find people wearing hats made of rabbit fur for its luxurious feel. The outback hat has a distinctive wide brim measuring 2.5 inches or more, but its profile is flatter and less angled when compared to the Safari hat. The sides of the brim are upturned, giving it the distinctive outback look people are familiar with across the world.
The hat has a C-shaped crown and is built to last long despite the challenging environment. It is the ideal hat for people spending a long time outdoors because of its durability and ability to retain its shape. It is not unusual for these hats to be made of other materials and decorated gaily. While the provision of a chin cord prevents the hat from being dislodged due to the wind or while on horseback, some people find it a little irritating. It is a highly-functional hat and not usually worn on social occasions.
Outback Hat Compared With Fedora
Some people are inclined to compare the outback hat with the fedora because of the similarity of their crown shapes. However, the two hats have a lot of differences that you can notice easily when you take a closer look. Outback hats tend to be broader but are not as deep as fedoras, making them better suited for the rough and tumble of outback wear. The outback hat is more about utility, while the fedora is more of a dress hat even though certain styles like Panama do an excellent job of sun protection. Wearers love the flexibility of the fedora since they can pair it with a large variety of outfits, and depending on the occasion, they can dress up or down. Typically, gentlemen seeking to make a statement in an upscale environment will prefer to wear a fedora hat, while those seeking weather protection and durability will choose the outback hat.
A fedora hat is generally made from animal furs, cotton, wool, or straw, while an outback hat is made of primarily straw and sometimes leather. The crown and the brim of the fedora are soft compared to the stiffer construction of the outback hat. The fedora brim generally curves outwards, while that of the outback hat tends to be convex.
Styles of Outback Hat
The Australian Outback hat is also popularly known as the Akubra hat. According to Real Men Real Style, Akubra is the Aboriginal word for “head covering.
Some of the more widely worn styles include:
Snowy River, Akubra: The American people came to know about the iconic Australian outback hat when they saw it in the Disney film, “The Man from Snowy River”. This hat features a turned-down front, back, and brim that typically measures around 3.5 inches wide. It is a felt hat style favored by the Aussie Stockman, as cattle rustler is called in that country.
The BC Hat: Originally made by Bill Conner, the legendary Australian entrepreneur and shoe salesman, the hat is made of genuine bison leather with a brim given its shape with wires inserted into the leather. Even today, BC hats are among the best in the market. A variant is made of cow leather that is tough and hard-wearing but adapts easily to the shape of the head and is thus comfortable. Wire fencing material s used to construct the brim, while the sweatband is cowhide.
Soft Outback Hat: One of the most outstanding features of an outback hat is it very adaptable and easily foldable, making them ideal for travel. Australians refer to these foldable hats as being soft. Since often, the hat comes in a bag; it is also called a “hat-in-a-bag”.
Types of Leather: While straw is the most favored material for an outback hat, you can buy them in different kinds of leather. Common leather varieties include kangaroo and cow, while some have a crocodile leather hat band.
Conclusion
The outback hat is typically Australian, and you can see them being worn by people all over the country, especially in places in the heartland that have intensely hot weather. If you must draw a parallel, the American cowboy hat would be a good example.
